The St. Louis County Board has announced a new grant program to assist Iron Range schools with recycling and waste reduction programs. The county’s Environmental Services Department will provide financial and technical assistance in partnership with Iron Range Youth in Action (IRYA), which will provide on-site program administration. IRYA is a program operated as part of the County Extension Office and is designed to engage area youth with local political bodies and community service activities.

The county will allocate a total of $53,000 to Range schools between now and March 1, 2011. The funding will be used to provide assistance to schools implementing, maintaining, or improving recycling and waste reduction programs and education in their facilities. Through the partnership, schools will provide students with increased classroom education stressing the importance of recycling and reducing waste. Students and staff will be provided with the necessary supplies to increase collection of recyclable material, and participating schools will realize a reduction in waste disposal fees.

Seventh District Commissioner Steve Raukar, chair of the county’s Solid Waste Subcommittee said, "By educating our youth about the long-term economic and environmental advantages of recycling, we can grow good habits and reach families on the front end, avoiding more costly outcomes later. By making recycling second nature, we all win."

“Iron Range Youth in Action considers it an honor to work collaboratively with the St. Louis County Environmental Services Department on the School Recycling and Waste Reduction Grant program for area schools,” added Chris Ismil, IRYA Director. “We look forward to a long term relationship for the benefit of area youth and our environment.”

The grant program will be presented at upcoming school administration meetings throughout the Iron Range. For more information about the grant program, visit the county’s website at www.stlouiscounty.org/recycle.